The Singapore International Energy Week (SIEW) 2026 Global Launch convened over 500 distinguished guests in Singapore on 25 March to set the direction for conversations shaping the future of energy.
During the event, Mr Puah Kok Keong, Chief Executive of the Energy Market Authority of Singapore (EMA), unveiled this year’s theme, “Connecting Energy Systems, Powering Tomorrow”. The theme underscores the growing urgency to build more resilient and interconnected energy systems as global demand rises.
Co-hosted with Siemens Energy, the launch offered an early look at the priorities and discussions that will shape SIEW 2026, setting the stage for deeper partnership between energy leaders, partners and policymakers in the months ahead.
Strengthening resilience through regional interconnectivity
In his welcome remarks, Mr Puah pointed to the growing strain on global energy systems. He noted that recent geopolitical developments have placed global energy supply chains under significant pressure.
For Singapore, where about 95 per cent of electricity is generated from imported natural gas, these developments are a reminder of the importance of energy security and resilience.
Mr Puah noted that Southeast Asia's energy demand is expected to double by 2050, even as the region's grids remain largely fragmented. This leaves countries more exposed to supply shocks at a time when regional cooperation is becoming increasingly important.
He also pointed to a major opportunity ahead. The International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates that Southeast Asia's renewable energy potential stands at 20 terawatts, or roughly 55 times the region's present power generation capacity. But realising that potential will depend on building grids that can move energy to where it is needed.
This makes regional interconnectivity and cross-border cooperation increasingly important to strengthening resilience and advancing the energy transition.
Mr Puah emphasised that "the energy systems of tomorrow will not be built by any one country, company, or institution. They will be built by connecting energy systems and deepening cross-border and cross-sectoral collaboration".
Forging partnerships to build smarter energy systems
As co-host of the Global Launch, Siemens Energy offered an industry perspective on the challenges facing energy systems today.
Mr Thorbjörn Fors, Group Senior Vice President of Siemens Energy and Managing Director of Asia Pacific, said recent developments had placed renewed emphasis on energy security. In a more uncertain world, resilience will depend not only on technology, but also on credible partnerships and stronger regional interconnectivity, he noted.
Mr Juha Pankakoski, Executive Vice President, Global Functions, Siemens Energy, highlighted that meeting the sharp rise in demand for energy and electricity will require two things. The first is diversification across energy sources. The second is smarter, more connected systems, including smart and digitised grids and energy management systems.
Together, the Industry Presentations reinforced a key message that the energy systems of tomorrow will depend on both stronger partnerships and more connected, intelligent infrastructure.
Elevating thought leadership at SIEW 2026
The Global Launch offered a preview of what to expect at SIEW 2026, including an expanded two-day SIEW Summit.
With a broader programme of engagements, the expanded SIEW Summit is designed to further elevate thought leadership across the Week and foster more cohesive dialogue among policymakers, industry leaders and experts on the priorities shaping the future of energy systems.
The 10th edition of the Singapore-International Energy Agency (IEA) Forum and the 6th Singapore-International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) High-Level Forum will bring global perspectives to discussions on energy security, investment, renewables development and resilient energy systems. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) , at SIEW, will discuss advancing nuclear energy readiness.
SIEW 2026 will also explore the latest low-carbon energy solutions, including nuclear, biomethane, geothermal, and carbon capture utilisation and storage.
Across the week, delegates can look forward to focused discussions on these emerging technologies and market developments and policy perspectives. SIEW Energy Insights will feature industry thought leaders and renowned organisations unveiling the latest projects and innovations shaping the energy transition. SIEW TechTable will convene technology pioneers, energy innovators and policy leaders to examine emerging trends and critical investment frameworks; while the Thinktank Roundtables provide an in-depth look at niche energy topics.
Partner events include the Asia Clean Energy Summit (ACES), Asia Gas Markets Conference, Future of the Grid (FOTG), as well as, Asian Downstream Summit, Asian Refining Technology Conference, and Ammonia & Carbon Capture Asia (ACCA),. These forums will add deeper industry discussions on clean energy, gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) markets, and grid modernisation.
As EMA marks its 25th anniversary, this year’s SIEW Energy Showcase will highlight Singapore's efforts in building a secure and resilient energy system. Through immersive exhibits and interactive displays, the Showcase will bring to life Singapore's energy journey over the past 25 years—and spotlight the energy priorities, technologies and partnerships that will shape the next chapter.
Looking ahead to October
Under the theme "Connecting Energy Systems, Powering Tomorrow", SIEW 2026 will bring together global energy stakeholders, industry experts and policymakers to deepen collaboration and advance practical solutions.
The discussions launched in March will continue to build momentum in the lead-up to October, including through SIEWConnects organised in Australia, China, and the United States in the coming months.
Together, these forums will provide a broader international platform to advance discussions on the clean energy transition.
SIEW 2026 will take place from 26 to 30 October 2026 in Singapore. Register your interest now: https://form.gov.sg/68f6f5c39ed46d43095b8baf
